I.D., Please

Democrats and Republicans like to fight over whether it's better to force residents to prove who they are before they vote. Democrats have argued it discriminates against people who don't carry some type of photo identification (I don't believe I know anyone who doesn't have one). Republicans say showing i.d. will make the voting process more valid.

My alma mater did some research that showed showing your pic doesn't hurt turnout.

Here's the study...

(Photo courtesy: Associated Press)

Tribute to former Missouri Tigers Head Football Coach Larry Smith

Rudy's "Lifestyle", "Grassley is a Moron"

"Hick Iowa senator says N.Y. attitude cost Rudy Giuliani; Apple strikes back"

That's a heckuva headline, huh? I found it on the New York Daily News. The article quotes Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley ripping on former Prez candidate Rudy Giuliani's New York "lifestyle." There are none too many kind words about Iowa's senior Senator...

It's interesting reading...

So Long, John and Rudy

You're Out!!!
John Edwards is out of the race. Surprised? He stuck it out long enough to make it through Florida. Why? Would the bills have been too high with too little return for him to stay in the race to compete in Tsunami Tuesday on Feb. 5th.

Surely his endorsement will now be the most talked about/sought after voice of support around Democratic circles. It's difficult, dare I say, almost impossible, to see him endorsing Clinton. But will he go out in public to say he's an Obama guy now? If he doesn't, will that effectively help Clinton?

Edwards would never tell me he HAD to win the Iowa Caucuses. But I never bought it. He did knock off Clinton here. But with all the time and money he spent here in Iowa, it seemed like he HAD to win. He didn't, of course. He never won anywhere. And now he's out. What a two-person race this will be now!

Rudy Giuliani is out now, too. Is that even news? O.K., I'm being a bit sarcastic. O.K., more than just a bit sarcastic. Giuliani never turned out to be much of a factor. He skipped the Iowa Republican Party's Straw Poll, which ticked off Republicans here. He seemed to try in Iowa before the Caucues. Then, then he didn't. Then he did. Then he didn't. But some Republican activists told me they felt Giuliani conducted a stealth effort here, even when he physically wasn't here. He spent heavily on mailings and radio ads (he never did air tv commercials).

Insiders told me he really gunned to finish third here, so he could say he "did better than expected" on his way to New Hampshire. He campaigned pretty heavily in New Hampshire and spent heavily. But then, down the stretch, his campaign acted as if he didn't really try there. I don't see how you can say he "skipped" Iowa and New Hampshire. Sure, he didn't campaign as much as others. But does anyone actually believe Giuliani "tried" less in Iowa than, say, John McCain? Now, he's supporting McCain. Or at least it sounds like he will offically by tonight. Is McCain unstoppable now?

Sunny Sunday

Who would have thought the 40's could feel so good outside? But after -11 degrees Thursday morning in Des Moines, it sure feels like a heat wave.

Politically, that heat wave may be named Barack Obama. I can't find anyone who predicted such a domination like the one he put on Hillary Clinton and John Edwards Saturday in the South Carolina Primary. Clinton aides will earn their money trying to spin the results of this one.

What must Edwards be thinking this morning? He was born in South Carolina. He greatly outspent the other two in media buys. And he still finished a distant third. What scenario does he envision from here on out that will bring him a win? It's tough to find one, barring a near-miracle...or a near-collapse. Make that two near-collapses.

Meantime, Iowa Republicans have a new leader. Ray Hoffmann, got fired, uhmm, I mean, quit to go back home to run his restaurant. Stewart Iverson, the former Senate Majority Leader, takes over as party chair. Will he be able to reorganize and reshape the party in time to prevent further erosion in November?

etc.

Congrats to Jarrett Schneider. Jarrett's a Renwick, Iowa native, who graduated from Drake University last year. Jarrett, who served as our Web Producer for www.iowavotes2008.com (and helped us earn the honor of being displayed in the Library of Congress) has made his debut as a television reporter for WHO-TV. Fittingly, his first report focused on the rush to buy blue at his Alma mater.

The Summit

Call Sir Edmund Hillary. The summit is on. Governor Chet Culver wants to meet with lawmakers on the economy, after all. Just a few days ago, his office said he would concentrate on talking with other Govs and members of Congress to make sure the federal economic stimulus plan best benefited Iowans. Friday, Culver's office let us know he would be meeting with leaders of both parties Monday around the noon hour.

Culver starts the day with a news conference on the economy. Then he holds a private meeting with leaders. Senate Republican Leader Ron Wieck had called for the "summit" to address what the state should do to help Iowans as the country heads (or may have already headed) into recession.

Steady hands

A crew from Dateline NBC has now packed up and left town. They interviewed one of our photojournalists, Lee Rouse (the pride of Grundy Center). Lee was interviewing an Urbandale firefighter when a power line exploded in the background. I don't know how, but Lee somehow kept his cool and his shot steady. Dateline is apparently working on a piece for the Spring to show incredible things captured on video. Props to Lee!

Wanna watch it?

Not to be outdone, Lee's son, Dalton, has also made his way onto the YouTube world.

Can he top his old man?

Elephants in the Sunshine

Let the softballs fly (more on that later)...

As the days in the beautiful Florida sun get fewer for the Republicans, will they also serve as the last remaining days as Presidential candidates for a few? What did you make of Rudy Giuliani last night during the last debate before next Tuesday's Florida Republican Primary? Doesn't he HAVE to win that state? He didn't seem to be exuding the confidence of a man about to win. Will he drop out if he finishes in third-place as the polls have him now?

Mike Huckabee didn't seem to get the front runner treatment either last night. What little money he had, it seems, is disappearing as he makes budget cuts in his campaign. Would a fourth-place finish in Florida lead to his final sunset in this race? Or will he bask in his no-money-like-he-had-in-Iowa-ways and keep Chuckin' along.

Mitt Romney didn't seem to make any major gaffes last night. He did seem to be a bit awkward during that question about how much of his personal money he's used in Florida and elsewhere so far this campaign (published reports list his personal wealth at between $250 million and $500 million...wow). He also looked almost pained at times during the debate...did he have a hard time hearing...was it bad lights that blinded him...too much cheese?

John McCain did have that one moment that makes you wonder. Tim Russert questioned McCain on why he said he knows a lot more about national security than the economy. McCain said he didn't know where Russert got that quote. Maybe The Politico's Jonathan Martin does.

McCain, faced with his own past statements pooh-poohing his grasp of economic issues, said, "I don’t know where you got that quote from."Moderator Tim Russert probably got it from The Wall Street Journal."I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues," McCain told the paper's Steve Moore in 2005. "I still need to be educated."

Ron Paul held his tongue as he clearly didn't get the face time like the others. The way he raises money, does he just keep sticking this out 'til others start bailing out? Then he would get some more face time.

Interesting when McCain used some of his time to praise Giuliani. Could this be a scenario...Rudy fails in Florida, drops out, then McCain tries to woo the Rudy supporters in New York for tsunami Tuesday on Feb 5th? Just a thought...

Is the bad economy good for Romney? After all, he is the uber-successful biz guy who made a gazillion dollars. McCain has made so much of the war part of his campaign. Hmmm...

Very little fire, overall, last night. Is it because this debate aired both on cable and on many NBC affiliates in Florida, the first time, perhaps, many Floridians saw the candidates? Or did the Repubs see the Dems go too far during their debate earlier in the week?

Impeach Judge Hanson?

The group, Everyday America, presented state lawmakers with 6,100 signatures it claims call for them to impeach Polk County Judge Robert Hanson. Last August Hanson ruled two Polk County men should be allowed to marry. The Iowa Supreme Court is now reviewing that ruling.

Everyday America believes Hanson violated the state constitution by allowing the same sex marriage, so it is urging the Iowa House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings to remove Hanson from office (Democratic House Speaker Pat Murphy says he has no plans to do that. And since Democrats hold the majority in the house, they decide whether any proceedings would take place).

Ben Stone, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Iowa, says today's action is just meant to be a way to intimidate judges and lawmakers.

What do you think?

Farewell to Fred

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Time to Summit?

While the Prez and Congress decides whether the fed needs to cut us a-don't-let-this-country-fall-into-a-recession-if-we-aren't-already-in-one-rebate-check, Iowa Republicans are thinking up their own ideas.

Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck sent this out. (As of 6:33pm as I write this, no response from the Gov)...

Senate Minority Leader Calls for Economic Stimulus Summit
Bipartisan Meeting to Focus on Looming National Recession

DES MOINES – Today Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck (R-Sioux City) sent the following letter to the Governor requesting a bipartisan bicameral workgroup on an economic stimulus package:

January 22, 2008

Honorable Chet Culver
Iowa Governor
Capitol BuildingDes Moines, IA 50319

Dear Governor Culver,

In light of the recent slowdown of the national economy it has been refreshing to see a bicameral bipartisan working relationship develop in Washington. This cooperation should serve as a reminder to all of us that in difficult times we must all pull together for the good of the country.

To that end, I suggest that the leadership of all four caucuses convene a meeting with you, yet this week, to discuss the current economic situation here in Iowa. It is well documented that Iowa is slower to react to the trends in the national economy, thus we must act now to soften any significant dip in our economy.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing need.

Sincerely,

Ron Wieck
Senate Minority Leader

CC: Honorable Mike Gronstal, Iowa Senate Majority Leader
Honorable Jack Kibbie, President of the Iowa Senate
Honorable Pat Murphy, Speaker of the Iowa House
Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader of the Iowa House
Honorable Christopher Rants, Minority Leader of the Iowa House

How Do You Say His Name?

Iowa's U.S. Senator Tom Harkin has an opponent. Now, that opponent has a new Web site. How uphill will his battle be to unseat Harkin? It wasn't long ago I asked Iowa's other U.S. Senator Charles Grassley about him. Grassley wasn't even sure how to say Steve Rathje's name (btw, he pronounces it "RAHCH'-ee). Good thing the election is still ten months away.

Here's the release... (Oh, and just to be fair, Tom Harkin's Web site is http://www.tomharkin.com/)

Rathje Launches New Website

For Immediate Release:

Steve Rathje, Republican candidate for the United States Senate in 2008, has announced the launch of his new campaign website.

"I am very excited about the possibilities offered by this new website," Steve said. "I look forward to Iowans using the site to get more information about me and to learn about my candidacy. I am also happy with the opportunity the site affords me to hear from Iowans on issues of importance to them and open a dialog about the future of our state and country."

The Rathje campaign is encouraging all Iowans to visit www.SteveRathje.com to learn more about the Cedar Rapids businessman in his bid to become Iowa's next United States Senator.

Everyone Likes Gambling?

Monday night, The Regency Companies officially releases its plan for a possible $100 million dollar casino-plus project in Newton, across the street from the Iowa Speedway. One thing I've noticed so far...no organized opposition.

Remember the Sink the Boat people? They received a lot of credit three years ago for helping to defeat that casino idea in Dallas County. They don't seem to be jumping into this fight in Newton. In fact, I can't find anyone who is. One person did tell me she heard from a staunch anti-gambling advocate who said there's no point in working on this, since the state will never grant it a license anyway (because it's so close to Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona).

etc.

My hometown St. Louis Cardinals have disappointed with their off-season activity. But at least they made a good move today. They've signed stud catcher, Yadier Molina, to a four-year, $15.5 million dollar contract.

And speaking of BAD moves...remember that FOX station in St. Louis that reported Albert Pujols would be named in the Mitchell Report? Oops! Pujols says the station will pay.

Bill Knapp who has made a kazillion dollars by, in part, always knowing where to buy land before the next big thing happens is selling off his company to his nephew and the company's president. Here's part of the release...

BILL KNAPP PASSES BATON
Knapp Properties Transitioned to Neugent and Bill Knapp II

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (January 21, 2008) — Knapp Properties Inc., the real estate management, brokerage and development company founded by real estate entrepreneur William C. Knapp, is being sold to its two top executives. William Knapp II and Gerard Neugent are acquiring 100 percent of KPI as well as a 20-percent stake in William C. Knapp LC (WCKLC), the primary holding company for Knapp family holdings and investments. In concert these Knapp entities own, operate and manage a large and diverse portfolio of real estate holdings.

WCKLC has direct ownership of office, retail and industrial buildings along with developed lots, farms and undeveloped land throughout Central Iowa and the state. The holding company has at least 20 investor partners involved in variety of projects in the metro area. Among the partners are several institutions including FBL Financial Group, NCMIC, Central Iowa Health and Wellmark Inc. as well as successful Iowa entrepreneurs James S. Cownie, Dennis Elwell, Gerald Kirke and William Krause.

The sale marks the culmination of several years of thoughtful succession planning by the Knapp family. Bill Knapp II is the nephew of William C. Knapp and has served as chairman of the company since 1999. Neugent has been president of the company since 1993.

Regency Wants to Develop Newton Casino

Regency Companies Partner Jamie Myers confirmed to me he hopes to be the guy to help bring a casino to Newton. Myers would put the project right across the street from the Iowa Speedway. He hopes each one feeds off the other and supports the other (The Newton City Council gets its first look at the plans Monday night. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors takes a look Tuesday a.m.).

Myers estimates the development somewhere between $60 and $100 million with hopes of employing up to 600 people one day. The idea is not just a casino. Myers envisions two hotels, restaurants, retail and camping...maybe more down the line sometime.

It's still very early. In fact, Myers joked that he doesn't really even have a name for the project yet. Meantime, casino supporters are already working on the plan. They're out collecting some of the 1,485 signatures they will need to put it on the ballot before Jasper county voters sometime this spring. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would then have to grant a license to the project, even though Ottumwa and Fort Dodge have already convinced voters to support casinos in their town. And, of course, there's that little problem of Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino just twenty miles away in Altoona.

A top Republican leader told me, "remember that $30 million that Prairie Meadows loses on the racetrack?" He said, "they would love to use that kind of money to kill this project."

Might be a juicy fight, eh? Who said things would get boring here once the Presidential candidates moved out of town?

Hoffmann Out Soon? McKibben to follow?

Just how bad are things getting for Iowa Republicans? A few factors...

Democrats attracted way more Caucus votes...

Prez Bush still isn't popular...

The Iraq War...well, it's still going...

Dems already control the Gov's Mansion, House and Senate...

Repubs seem to be running for the door (8 house members are quitting, 4 senators, too, so far)...

On WHO TV 13's "Insiders" program (taped on Friday afternoon, airs Sunday at 9:30am), Romney's State Chair and former Gov candidate Doug Gross said Ray Hoffmann is out as State Chair of the Republican Party. He says the State Central Committee will make it official at its meeting next weekend. Stewart Iverson (the former Senate Majority Leader) and Marlys Popma (former McCain advisor and Iowa GOP Exec Director) I'm told are interested.

Will Larry McKibben, the Repub State Senator from Marshalltown, be the next one to hit the door after his term is up? Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck said he expected to hear early this coming week whether he needs to plan for at least the fifth senator from his party to say he's leaving (Angelo, Lundby, Putney, Gaskill). Repubs spent a ton of money (more than $400k, if my memory serves) to help him win re-election last time around.

Democratic House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy also on Insiders doesn't seem to be too jazzed about Governor Culver's bottle bill plan. The first plan, I mean. It sounds like the Gov's looking for a deal on this. Any deal.

Nevada and South Carolina

It's too cold to do much of anything, so I'm glued to the tv while I work on a little experiment in the crock pot.

Hillary Clinton won Nevada. So much for all the complaints by the Clinton supporters about letting the casino workers caucus in the casino. Doesn't look like it mattered much. But how much does Barack Obama want to win South Carolina now? He might want to figure out some kind of answer for that Ronald Reagan comment before then. Will that be a must win state for him now?

Speaking of South Carolina, will that be the end of John Edwards? Will he really keep going on if he loses badly there, since, after all, he was born there?

Anybody see that speech by Fred Thompson long before the numbers came in? Some of the pundits wondered if he would drop out. But he didn't. Yet. He also didn't say he was going on.

Mitt Romney put his money in Nevada and chose the higher delegate count there than in South Carolina. Looks like that worked. How big is Florida now? What happens if Rudy Giuliani doesn't win? His strategy seems to bet it all there (well, after he went all out in New Hampshire and got creamed. I guess that was a different strategy)?

Surely, Mike Huckabee wanted (and needed?) to do better than second in South Carolina. Is he done now? Or will he wait until he loses in Florida?

This thing sure has been tough to predict, eh? I love watching the national folks squirm in their seats after their predictions don't turn out.

Something smells good here. My crock pot has done its job. Dinner's on.

Two Plans for Illegal Immigration

Illegal Immigration. We heard the words come up who knows how many times during the Presidential campaign in our state. Now, the words have made their way to the Iowa Statehouse. Today, Democrats and Republican told us of two far different ways to deal with the situation in our state.

Democrats say they're putting together legislation that would go after those who hire undocumented workers. Under HF2026, those employers who do "knowingly" hire illegals can be fined up to $10,000. It also prevents employers from firing a worker if they inform law enforcement officials of the hiring of illegal workers.

Republicans say the Democrats' ideas aren't the way to go. It's not right, they say, to go after bosses; they need to go after the people working here illegally. Republicans, instead, want to establish partnerships with the federal government. When local and state authorities apprehend illegal immigrants, they would work with the federal government on making sure those immigrants get deported (although local authorities have complained to us they already have problems with the feds actually showing up to take the immigrants once they have rounded them up). Republicans point to Oklahoma as proof partnerships work. They predict 25,000 illegal immigrants are already on their way out of that state.

Here's this afternoon's release from state Republicans announcing the formation of an illegal immigration task force...

Senate Republicans Appoint Task Force to Address Illegal Immigration
Democrats fail to lead yet again

DES MOINES – Today Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck (R-Sioux City) announced the formation of a Senate Republican task force to address the issue of illegal immigration.

“Failure of the federal government to adequately address the illegal immigration problem has left it to the states to take control of the issue,” stated Wieck.

Senator Jeff Angelo (R-Creston), Senator Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) and Senator Steve Kettering (R-Lake View) have been appointed to the task force.

“The Democrats have failed yet again to lead on an issue that will affect Iowans in their communities,” said Wieck. “This session you will not see a comprehensive illegal immigration plan from the Democrat majority.”

The task force will forward a comprehensive package of reforms to the Republican caucus in the following weeks.

###


So, what do you think?

All's Not Wells Fargo

Look for layoff notices to come out of Wells Fargo this afternoon. I'm told it's more than 100 employees in the I.T. department. Sources tell me they will be offered the chance to pursue other employment in the company. What other jobs will those I.T. folks want/be able to do?

Updated...6:05pm

STATEMENT FROM LYNN GREENWOOD SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS WELLS FARGO HOME AND CONSUMER FINANCE GROUP

"Wells Fargo is reorganizing a large, multi-year technology project and today notified some Des Moines team members that their current positions would be eliminated. Those affected by this reorganization are being encouraged to apply for other open positions within the project and in other areas of the company. Currently, Wells Fargo has approximately 200 open positions in the Des Moines area.

"During a restructuring, it is Wells Fargo’s practice not to disclose the number of positions eliminated because many affected team members find positions within the company. Our goal is always to place as many team members as possible into open positions, and we will attempt to do so in this case.

"This change affects approximately 1 percent of the company’s total employment in Iowa. Currently, we have 12,900 team members in Iowa, the vast majority located in the Des Moines area.

"Affected team members have received 60-day notices and will be given preference for any open positions in the company. If the team members don't find another job within Wells Fargo, they are eligible to receive separation benefits including salary continuation based on years of service with the company."

More Leftovers

Governor Chet Culver must have changed his mind on how he would give his Condition of the State. Crews were out setting up the night before. They started assembling a Teleprompter. But then they took it down. Culver apparently didn't need it and didn't want it. He did use one last year, if you care.

The Gov put himself out there at one point. He's put on weight over the past few years (after losing a lot of weight on some liquid diet), and now he is promising to diet over the next 100 days to set a good image for Iowans. We, as a state, could use a little exercise. Although, Republicans argue, it's the state budget that needs a diet.

Catching Up on Last Night

What did you think of the Nevada debate last night? Since it's yesterday's news, I'll keep my thoughts short. And since my truck crapped out on my way to work today, my thoughts are a little disheveled anyway (looks like my battery went out).

My thoughts for what they're worth...(hopefully, at least $99.95 to make up for the tow and new battery)

Obama seemed off his game in the first round. His body language wasn't good. He leaned forward on the table on his hands. I used to do that a lot. And that's a no-no in television. It takes your energy away. He also looked like he was wearing his big brother's suit coat. Another thing we learn in our shallow world of television it to pull your suit down in the back and sit on "the tail". It makes the suit fit a lot better, or at least look like it does. After the first commercial break, Obama did sit up, fix his jacket and show more energy.

Clinton looked tired in the first round but seemed to have more force and energy behind her words, nonetheless. I may be crazy, but she seemed to gain makeup during the commercial break. She did seem to give Edwards a not-so-nice look during one of his comments. But it seemed she stayed "up" throughout the night.

Edwards kept his cool, even though he didn't seem to get the face time the two others did. He did ditch the light blue tie (UNC Tar Heels?) he seemed to wear out in Iowa in favor of red stripes (does some team in South Carolina wear that shade of red?). His posture was upright throughout and kept his energy high. He did have one odd moment when he drummed on his mid-section a handful of times with his right hand while he tried to think of a word. And, now, a day later, I've forgotten what that word was. Hold on, let me beat on my chest for a while.

Hillary and Tim

Anybody see Hillary Clinton for the full hour on Meet the Press with Tim Russert Sunday a.m.? Russert has tried to get her on the show for quite a while now. He's even mentioned on the air that she turned down the requests. Now, fresh after her New Hampshire win, she decides to talk to the media again. Yes, I know her campaign will say she has been doing interviews. Senator Clinton told me the same thing. But I think we can all agree she has been making herself more available to both reporters and potential voters after the Iowa Caucuses. Perhaps, a third place finish will do that.

BTW, what happens if Clinton wins the nomination? We all assume Iowa will again be a purple, swing state this fall. What will Iowans think after her campaign trash-talked the Caucuses?